Ulysses S. Grant
1822–1885 · American (Point Pleasant, Ohio) · American Civil War
Known for: Union general who won the Civil War and 18th President—the quiet, determined drunk who saved the Republic
Grant was a failed farmer, failed businessman, and struggling alcoholic who became the most important American general since Washington. He captured Vicksburg, won Chattanooga, ground down Lee's army through relentless attrition, and accepted Lee's surrender at Appomattox.
As president, he crushed the KKK, protected Black voting rights during Reconstruction, and fought corruption (with mixed success). His presidency was underrated for decades—modern historians have significantly revised his reputation upward.
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